PRICE OF TOBACCO

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6520, 16 September 1924, Page 2

PRICE OF TOBACCO

REDUCTION OF DUTY $ WILL SMOKERS BENEFIT? Years ago the price of plug tobacco to the New Zealand storekeeper was 1/3A per lb in bond, with a duty of 3/6 (says the Auckland “Star’s Dunedin correspondent). To-day the same tobacco is sold to the storekeeper at 4/9 per lb in bond, with a duty of 4/8. It is arguable, therefore, that although the cost of producing the leaf has advanced and wages and other charges are increased, to-bacco-making companies should be satisfied with the conditions at present existing, and if Mr Massey’s proposal to lower taxes on tobacco by £IOO,OOO is carried, some part at least of the concession ought to be for the benefit of the men who smoke. The probability is that Mr Massey, before formulating his proposal, came to some understanding with the companies for a reduction to consumers. It is inconceivable that makers, already in a strong position, should be made a present of the £IOO,OOO.